Chinatown Overview
Canada’s largest Chinatown, among the largest in North America, is in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the blocks around Main, Pender, and Keefer Streets with the Gastown and Downtown districts to the west, Downtown Eastside to the north, the residential district of Strathcona to the east, and False Creek to the south. Chinatown remains a popular tourist attraction despite the growth of the newer Chinese immigrant business district in the suburb of Richmond south of Vancouver on Lulu Island in the Fraser River. Many affluent Hong Kong and Taiwan immigrants in Richmond have developed successful Chinese businesses in the area now named Golden Village by the City of Richmond, which once proposed the name “Chinatown” only to encounter strong resistance from the original Chinatown in Vancouver and from non-Chinese Richmond residents and merchants.
Asian Influx
The Greater Vancouver Regional District received large numbers of Asian immigrants during the late 20th Century, primarily Chinese, whose population reached 300,000 by the mid-’90s. More immigrants settled in Richmond than in Vancouver Chinatown for its lower costs of living and closer distance to the Vancouver International Airport. The development of suburban Asian shopping districts with plenty of parking space like Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre, visibly impaired the business heart of historic Chinatown.
Decline
Chinatown businesses today consist mostly of working-class retailers, small groceries, tea shops, and souvenir stores. Some restaurants stand out, but there are no longer so many, and their declining numbers brought less foot traffic and nighttime activity than in former times. The 10-percent Chinatown vacancy rate shows the need for a fresh approach to development to replace businesses that have moved to suburban locations, retired, or simply closed. Redevelopment opportunities are clearly present. Chinatown lease rates from $15–30/square foot are the cheapest in the city, much lower than those in Vancouver’s Downtown shopping district.
The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area
In the 1990s, the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association searched for an effective vehicle for projects to revitalize the area. Gastown and Downtown Vancouver had formed business improvement areas (BIAs) with evident success. With the consent and support of merchants and property owners, the association planned to establish a Chinatown BIA.
After several attempts, the association succeeded in winning the community support necessary establish a Chinatown BIA. The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area (VCBIA) incorporated in 2000 on a model of BIAs successful in other areas of the city to improve Chinatown’s cleanliness and safety, expand and promote its events, and work with media and external partners to make Chinatown popular and prosperous again. A voluntary board of property owners and tenants manages the VCBIA. The city assists with annual funding through a special property tax like a local improvement levy. Each property’s contribution to the annual BIA budget is according to its proportionate share of the total BIA taxable value.
Information Links:
http://vancouver-chinatown.com
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/chinatown-revitalization.aspx
Redevelopment Prospects
A new Chinatown business plan now encourages entrepreneurs to move in to rehabilitate storefronts, attract a young crowd, and make visitors more comfortable. Attracted by low rents and heritage buildings, new businesses have moved in with owners in apartments above the shops. Chinatown’s priority now is to attract people of all backgrounds in the belief that non-traditional stores will bring a new flow of energy and income. Commercial activity is increasingly diverse with vintage stores, two art galleries, bars, and now a nightclub at the location of the former Ming’s restaurant, an attempt to bring back some of the nightlife atmosphere of the 1950s and ’60s. The diversity of new shops and businesses has created a new Chinatown image of vibrancy to compete with suburban districts and complement nearby Gastown and Downtown Vancouver.
New Chinatown Live MLS Listings
Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Real Estate
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334 - 336 E HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2868209
334 - 336 E HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6A 1P4 
$2,100,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2868209
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,985 sq. ft.
Mixed-Use building 234-336 E Hastings St. Vancouver, BC, well kept 2-storey on 25xl22 lot.Excellent revenue generated property!Features a ground level in building with 2985SF a large retail space, upgraded with permit a full commercial kitchen{vent/grease trap holding tank} ,storage , washroom w/disabilities access,AND plus TWO separate Residential units on the upper 2nd floor.2Bedroom & lBedroom suites have separate access to the building. Each unit in the building has its own hydro meters & own hot water tanks in the mechanical room.2 parking stalls in the attached garage, and an additional 2 parking stalls in gated backyard with laneway access. Don't miss! More detailsListed by Team 3000 Realty Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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901 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2763517
901 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,949,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2763517
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,211 sq. ft.
Awesome 3 bed-2 bath at SPARROW, this amazing home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows, and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower.. Beautifully appointed bedroom. 1 underground parking This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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601 E PENDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2870632
601 E PENDER Street Vancouver V6A 1V6
$1,899,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2870632
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 3,952 sq. ft.
Perched high up on the confer of East Pender and Princess sits this almost 4,000 SF, Heritage C character gem! The "Kemp House" has an incredible presence from the street and exudes character and charm. Currently set up as 2 suites with the owners living on the main and upper floors and a split-level suite above that generate excellent revenue! The home also features a freshly landscaped and fully fenced private south-facing side yard, a double car garage with over-height ceilings and a "cheater" roof deck above. A large, unfinished basement is also ready for your ideas! Hold, develop, renovate, or take it all as is. There are so many options with this beautiful Heritage Home. OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, April 20th, 1- 3pm and Sunday, April 21st, 2- 4pm. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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903 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2763403
903 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$1,849,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2763403
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,175 sq. ft.
Awesome 3 bed & 2.5 bath VIEW PENTHOUSE - MASSIVE ROOF TOP DECK, 9’ ceilings and full-height windows plus walk out patios. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. Rift-cut white oak floors throughout. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower. Great bedrooms. 1 underground parking. Common outdoor courtyard garden. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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383 E HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2855183
383 E HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6A 1P3
$1,480,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2855183
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 3,310 sq. ft.
Character 3 Lvl + Attic, 3 Suites, 2X2 BR & 1X3 BR S/C Units, 3300 SF Hse in growth area. Rented $4200/mo w upside good tenants, big Suites, wood flrs, high ceilings, char & big unfin Attic for more accom. Front & rear access each Unit, fenced, gated yard w parking. Great Investment or Family/Shared Owner Home w great future value growth. Developers: Assembly opportunity, Vancouver LAP ln this DEOD Zoning allows rezoning to high density, low income housing, 5.0 to 7.5 FSR & 75' building height, similar projects underway at West end of blk. Steps to Chinatown, Gastown, D/T, mins to Commercial Drive & new St Paul's Hospital. A Winner, Hidden Opportunity In Plain Sight Don't Miss! Showing 2 Day Notice. Call LS details, info pkg, view. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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665 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2769292
665 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1M1
$1,450,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2769292
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,360 sq. ft.
Affordable 7 Bedroom and 3 bathroom house in East Vancouver! Full renovation in 2018 which includes roof, exterior wall, flooring, kitchen cabinet , appliance, bath room and new fence and gate etc. Expansive backyard which will also accommodate an RV. Walk to absolutely everything and everywhere. Don't miss out on an opportunity to own a 2360 sqf house within a 10 minute walk to the historic and bustling Chinatown, Gas Town and Vancouver's Downtown! More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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87 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2855552
87 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K3
$1,299,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2855552
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,743 sq. ft.
Rarely available and highly sought-after commercial live/work loft in historic Koret Lofts, a century-old, remade warehouse located in the heart of bustling Gastown. This 1,743 SF loft has those New York vibes coupled with heritage charm, offering 18' ceilings, all original fir beams, brick wall, and wood floors, as well as finished concrete throughout. Comes with in-suite laundry and one secure parking. Gastown's 'it' building, known for its tight-knit community and well-managed strata. Potential cash cow opportunity - this is one of Vancouver's few fully-approved buildings, allowing Airbnb rentals. Guests will love walking down the cobblestones to the area's highly-rated shops, restaurants, and cafes. This ground-level home has endless opportunities. More detailsListed by The Agency Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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525 UNION Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2870409
525 UNION Street Vancouver V6A 2B7
$1,249,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2870409
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,744 sq. ft.
Beautiful detached - strata titled residence situated on Union Street in the charming Strathcona area, offering convenient transit access and close proximity to downtown. Nestled on a 3,050 sq ft lot, this home boasts superior construction and design standards. It spans three levels, featuring such as a well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinetry and an adjoining dining area, a comfortable living room, and a skylight-lit staircase leading to two bedrooms on the upper level, including two master suites. Ample storage space and a parking garage are included. Conveniently located near the new St. Paul's Hospital and the city's finest cafes and restaurant's, this exceptional opportunity! OPEN HOUSE SAT, APRIL 20TH, 2-4PM More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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605 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2763187
605 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,125,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2763187
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
Awesome 2 bed-2 bath at SPARROW, this amazing home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows, and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower.. Beautifully appointed bedroom. 1 underground parking This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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505 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2763176
505 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,018,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2763176
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
Awesome 2 bed-2 bath at SPARROW, this amazing home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows, and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower.. Beautifully appointed bedroom. 1 underground parking This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
